The Ascended Christ

1. The Eternal Purposes of God. v4-8

   Each of us is uniquely gifted with grace

   The Old Testament and New Testament are one story. Ephesians 3:8-11

   God is Sovereign and He clearly has an Eternal Purpose in giving gifts.

2. The Incarnation of Christ v9

   "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men. Psalm 68 It is all about Jesus

   "He ascended" what does it mean except that He also had descended. Jesus and Nicodemus John 3:13

   The idea is Christ's victor and Jesus’ granting of spiritual gifts and grace to those who are on His side

3. This passages also testifies to the grace of God.

   Christ came from the highest heights and went to the lowest depths and ascended back to the highest heights again so that He could give good gifts to the bride His church, to us.

   What does it mean the lowest parts of the earth? Psalm 139:15

   Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43

   Where is paradise? 2 Corinthians 12:4, Revelation 2:7

   Where did Jesus go? Luke 23:46

   Did Jesus go to Hell to make atonement for our sin? 1 Peter

2:24, Colossians 2:13-15

4. This text testifies to the Great Victory God has Won

   We stand behind Christ, He leads, we follow and He gives Gifts to men.

5. Finally the Preeminence of Christ

   Jesus has paid the infinite price v10 Has all authority Matthew 28, John 17:4-5

   The Son came into the World to redeem us and He has ascended on high. He has given us life, faith and salvation.